You’ve typed “The End” on your manuscript. After months (or years) of work, your story is finally complete! But as you stand at the threshold of becoming a published author, there’s a forest of practical matters waiting beyond the creative journey that you might never have considered. Fear not—we’re here to guide you through these uncharted territories with our insider knowledge.
The Mysterious ISBN: Your Book’s Passport to the Literary World
Did you know every book needs its own unique identification number? An ISBN (International Standard Book Number) is your book’s passport to the publishing world—a 13-digit code that identifies your specific title, format, and publisher.
Your ISBN Options:
Purchase Your Own: Buying directly from Nielsen in the UK (the official ISBN agency) gives you complete control. A single ISBN costs £93, but buying in bulk is more economical—a block of 10 costs £174. Owning your ISBNs means you’re listed as the publisher of record, which lends professional credibility to your work.
The Free Alternative: Amazon’s KDP offers free ISBNs for books published through their platform. The catch? Amazon will be listed as your publisher, not you. This is perfectly fine if you’re planning to sell exclusively through Amazon, but it may limit your distribution options elsewhere.
The Middle Ground: Some aggregators like Draft2Digital offer free ISBNs when distributing through their platform, striking a balance between cost and flexibility.
Remember: Different formats (paperback, hardcover, e-book) each require their own ISBN. That novel you’ve written? If you publish it in three formats, you’ll need three separate ISBNs.
Legal Deposit: Your Place in History
Here’s something most new authors are completely unaware of: in the UK, you’re legally required to deposit a copy of your published book to the British Library within one month of publication. It’s not just tradition—it’s the law!
Beyond the British Library, you should also send copies to:
- The Bodleian Library, Oxford
- The University Library, Cambridge
- The National Library of Scotland, Edinburgh
- The National Library of Wales, Aberystwyth
- The Library of Trinity College, Dublin
This “legal deposit” ensures your book becomes part of the nation’s cultural heritage. While it might seem like an expense, consider this: your work will be preserved in these prestigious institutions for generations to come. How’s that for literary immortality?
For more information, check out this link.
Copyright Protection: Safeguarding Your Creative Work
Many new authors fret about copyright, but here’s the good news: in the UK, copyright protection is automatic as soon as your work is created. You don’t need to register it or pay any fees!
However, it’s still wise to include a copyright notice in your book: “© [Your Name] [Year]” makes your rights clear to everyone. For extra peace of mind, some authors mail themselves a sealed copy of their manuscript (the “poor man’s copyright”), though this isn’t necessary for legal protection.
The Professional Author Photo: First Impressions Matter
In today’s visual world, readers want to connect with the person behind the words. A professional author photo isn’t just vanity—it’s an essential marketing tool that will appear on your book jacket, website, social media, and press materials.
Invest in a professional photographer who understands author portraits. The right photo conveys your personality and genre instantly. A thriller writer might opt for something moody and intense, while a romance author might choose something warm and approachable.
Author Website: Your Digital Bookshelf
Before your book even hits the shelves, readers will Google you. What will they find? A professional website is your 24/7 sales representative, showcasing your books, biography, and upcoming events.
You don’t need to break the bank—platforms like WordPress, Wix, and Squarespace offer author-friendly templates. At minimum, include:
- An engaging author bio
- Book information with purchase links
- A contact form or email address
- A newsletter sign-up (your most powerful marketing tool!)
The Elusive THEMA and BIC Codes
While less known than ISBNs, THEMA and BIC codes are classification systems that help bookshops and online retailers categorise your book correctly. Choosing the right codes increases your book’s discoverability.
For example, a historical romance set in Victorian England might use THEMA codes: FRH (historical romance) and 3JBSC (Victorian period). Getting these codes right means your book appears in the right searches and reaches your target audience.
Public Liability Insurance: Protection for Public Appearances
Planning book signings, school visits, or literary festival appearances? You might need public liability insurance. This protects you if someone is injured or property is damaged during your events. Many venues won’t let you participate without it.
Professional writing organisations like the Society of Authors offer insurance packages specifically designed for writers, often at discounted rates for members.
The Power of Professional Associations
Speaking of organisations, joining a professional writing association gives you access to insider knowledge, networking opportunities, and often legal advice. The Society of Authors, the Alliance of Independent Authors, and genre-specific organisations like the Crime Writers’ Association all offer valuable resources for new authors.
The Overlooked Promotional Materials
Beyond your book itself, consider these essential promotional items:
- Bookmarks featuring your cover and website
- Business cards with your author details
- A press kit with your bio, book synopsis, and high-resolution cover image
- Book trailers for social media promotion
Your Literary Legacy Starts Now
Publishing your first book is just the beginning of your author journey. By attending to these often-overlooked essentials, you’re laying the groundwork for a professional, sustainable writing career.
Remember, every bestselling author was once a debut novelist figuring out ISBNs and legal deposits too. With these foundations in place, you can focus on what matters most—writing your next book!
We believe in complete transparency with our community of authors. None of the links or companies mentioned in this article are sponsored, and we receive no financial compensation for including them. Our recommendations are based solely on our experience in the publishing industry and what we believe will genuinely help new authors navigate their publishing journey. Our goal is to provide unbiased, helpful information that serves your best interests as an author.